Onion for a Little Kitchen Burn

Did you get a little kitchen burn? Run cold water over it, then apply a slice of onion. The same natural chemicals that usually make us cry also block the substances that make us feel pain. And here’s a bonus: Onion juices have antibacterial properties that may help prevent infection.

Fish, A Weapon against Rheumatoid Arthritis

Fishy Approach to Rheumatoid Arthritis

Eating at least one weekly serving of fish - of any kind - seems to help cut the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by 35 percent, and regular long-term (for at least a decade) consumption of omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish such as salmon reduces the risk by 50 percent. This finding, from a study at Sweden's famed Karolinska Institutet, supports the conclusions from an earlier Swedish study showing a 20 percent reduction in the risk of rheumatoid arthritis among both men and women who reported eating at least one serving of fatty fish per month. The researchers reviewed detailed diet questionnaires completed by 32,232 midlife and older Swedish women, 205 of whom were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis over an average of about eight years. The Karolinska team concluded that the lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis seen among participating women seemed to be associated with the omega-3s the women were getting from the fish in their diet. The investigators looked at how often the women reported eating fish, not their use of fish oil supplements. The study was published online on August 12, 2013 by the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases.

Coffee for Protection Against Alcoholic Cirrhosis

If you drink alcohol on a regular basis, it might be a good idea to become a regular coffee drinker as well. The popular brew appears to reduce alcohol’s poisonous effects on the liver and cuts the risk of cirrhosis, according to a major study.

In the 14-year follow-up study at the Kaiser Permanente Research Institute in Oakland, California, found that one cup of coffee a day cut the risk of alcoholic cirrhosis by 20 percent. Four Cups a day slashed the risk by 80 percent. In fact, the researchers also found that coffee drinkers had healthier results on liver function tests whether or not they were heavy alcohol users.

On the other hand, the study showed no reduced risks for tea drinkers. The findings may explain why some people livers survive heavy alcohol use. Researchers said that the best way to avoid alcoholic liver disease is to cut down on heavy alcohol consumption.

Potassium for Nighttime Leg Cramps

If you wake up in the middle of the night with painful leg cramps, you may not be eating enough foods rich in potassium. So add more sweet potatoes, bananas, or orange juice to your diet.

Foods to Take for Chronic Pain Part 2

Cilantro- the oil of this pungent herb has long been touted by many cultures as having a cleansing effect. It binds to toxins, cleansing them from the body. It is extremely high in antioxidants, which are critical for fighting painful inflammation, and it has been used for many centuries as a sleep aid. It’s relaxing properties help with stress-related pain.

Almonds- The riboflavin in these perfect nuts is frequently the most effective way to eliminate muscle and joint pain. Also, they are very effective in easing the pain of menstrual cramps without having to resort to medications that will make a person drowsy.

Beans- Magnesium in beans helps balance a natural tendency for what otherwise would be a deficiency. Magnesium is critical in muscle health, but also in nerve health. Increasing consumption of beans might mean you’ll be a little gassier, but you’ll also be much less likely to suffer headache or migraine pain as a result as well. Also, the fiber in beans has been shown to aid in digestion so much that people have been able to drop their GERD medications altogether.

Coffee- It may seem like a surprising addition to a list of healthy foods, but the caffeine in coffee has been shown to not only reduce, but in some cases completely eliminate neck and headache pain. It works by constricting blood vessels that contribute to the pounding that is characteristic of headaches.

Water- We left this one for the last because it is the most critical. It is a fact that most people are dehydrated. Not to the extent that is found when lost in the desert; rather, just to the point where the body’s systems simply don’t function as well as they could. This lack of optimum function might seem unnoticeable for some, but for others it kicks over the dominoes that lead to a variety of chronic pain issues.

When we don’t have enough water, any number of things can happen: Thirsty muscles will not heal as quickly after exercise. Oxygen delivery is compromised in the blood. Toxins that cause inflammation and wreak havoc on the liver and kidneys (our critical filters) can’t be purged. Chemicals needed in balancing hormone activity don’t get to where they need to go.

All these things spell pain in one form or another. And don’t forget the impact of foods and beverages that dehydrate us further- processed foods and sugary soft drinks, alcohol and fried foods…all these things serve to increase pain and dehydrate us further.

Of all the items on the list, getting adequate water should be the most important. Without it, all the benefits of the foods listed above are diminished to some extent due to the body’s inability to deliver and process the nutrients.

All types of pain can be healed naturally. But the right method depends on what kind of pain you’re suffering.